Program Overview

Master of Laws (LLM) Program

The Queen's Master of Laws (LLM) degree is a nine- to twelve-month program that deepens students' legal knowledge and research skills with a view to further studies at the doctoral level or careers in research, policy work or legal practice.

Admission Requirements

Candidates should have obtained high standing in an undergraduate or first law degree (LLB, JD or equivalent). In exceptional circumstances, candidates whose previous degree(s) are not in law but in cognate fields may be accepted.

Program Structure

Students have considerable freedom to design a course of study that meets their needs and aspirations. All LLM students are required to complete two graduate seminars—Legal Research Methods & Perspectives and Advanced Legal Research, both of which are offered in the Fall Term.

Program Options

• Thesis option: two mandatory graduate seminars plus one additional course and a master's thesis not to exceed 35,000 words in length, exclusive of footnotes, endnotes, bibliography, appendices, tabulated data, tables of cases, and tables of contents, that must be defended orally before an examination committee.
• Mini-Thesis option: two mandatory graduate seminars plus three additional courses and a substantial graduate research project (or "mini-dissertation") of 13,000-18,000 words.
• Course-Paper option: two mandatory graduate seminars plus five additional courses and a graduate paper of 9,000-10,000 words.

Course Information

While the Law School offers some dedicated graduate-level courses, most graduate courses are offered in conjunction with JD courses (though methods of assessment differ for graduate students in these classes). Admission on a part-time basis is limited. Degree requirements for part-time students vary slightly from those for full-time students.

International Law Program

LLM students in the International Law Program may complete three courses in Kingston and Berlin in May and June before commencing their LLM at Queen's, allowing them to start – and finish – their studies three months earlier.

Practicing in Canada

Please note that obtaining an LLM or PhD in Canada does not qualify students who do not have an LLB or JD from a Canadian university to practice law in Canada. International students who are interested in practising law in Canada should contact the National Committee on Accreditation.

Research Areas

The Faculty of Law has various research areas, including:

• Business Law
• Constitutional Law
• Criminal Law
• International Law
• Political and Legal Thought

Specialization in Political and Legal Thought

Students interested in legal theory and legal philosophy should consider pursuing an LLM with a Specialization in Political and Legal Thought.

Graduate Admissions Process

Applicants do not contact potential supervisors prior to applying for admission. Normally, supervisors are assigned when applicants are admitted to the Program. The application form allows applicants to suggest potential supervisors. Availability of supervisors depends on current supervision numbers and if sabbaticals or leaves occur.